The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine held an open expert dialogue on the enhancement of physical education. The event, organized in collaboration with the Small Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, JuniorS, UNIT.City, and the NGO «Education 360», is part of the «Education for Life» initiative that supports NUS reforms. The Ministry gathered specialists to discuss new methods of teaching physical education.

The session was opened by Nadya Kuzmychova, Deputy Minister of Education, who emphasized the need to adapt physical education to new realities - the war and the effects of the pandemic. She noted that the outcomes of the meeting would influence future concepts in the field of «Physical Culture», set to be published in spring 2025. Pilot testing of the updated curriculum will begin in the fall of 2025 for 5th graders across three disciplines: arts, technology, and natural sciences. Additionally, workshops, studios, and laboratories for basic schools will be modernized.

The program included two panel discussions. The first, on the topic «The Purpose of Physical Education», was moderated by Oleksandr Pedan, who conducted a Q&A session with Deputy Minister Nadya Kuzmychova and Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Serhiy Tymofiev.

«Physical education in educational institutions is not just a lesson, but the foundation of a healthy future. It should be about mass participation, not in quantitative terms, but in inspiring every student to love movement. While not everyone may meet the standards due to unique circumstances, education must consider individuality and reveal each child's strengths, which aligns with the spirit of the NUS reform. When we talk about physical education, we talk about shaping a person who values their health and understands their body.», Kuzmychova stated.

The second panel discussion focused on the topic «The Graduate Profile. How should physical education prepare children for life in a changing world?». Participants included:

• Kostiantyn Yevtushenko - managing partner at Unit.city;
• Oleksandr Sekirin - founder of the «All Stars» dance school;
• Maria Pavlichuk - co-founder of the NGO «JuniorS».

Experts emphasized the importance of a practical approach to physical education, ensuring that students learn how to stay active in today’s world and develop lifelong healthy habits.

After the discussions, participants formed groups to work on specific solutions for updating physical education and share their professional experiences.

The physical education educational circle is part of a broader consultation process that includes surveys of educators, parents, and students. The Ministry plans to hold a series of such meetings, which can be joined via the website educationforlife.mon.gov.ua in the section «For Whom?».